The Indian flag was finally spotted at the National Stadium in Karachi, putting an end to the growing controversy ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is set to kick off on February 19 with Pakistan taking on New Zealand at the same venue.
Earlier, the absence of the flag at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 venues had sparked massive criticism, with many questioning whether it was a deliberate move by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over the BCCI’s stance not to allow the team cross the border for the event.
Pakistan ends the flag controversy ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025
The controversy erupted after a video went viral on social media where the flags of all participating nations except India were seen in Karachi. This led to speculation that the PCB had removed the neighboring country’s flag as a response to their decision not to travel to Pakistan for the tournament.
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The incident quickly turned into a heated debate with the BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla strongly reacting to the PCB’s alleged move. Shukla was quoted as saying by Livemint, “First, it should be confirmed whether the Indian flag was there or not. If it wasn’t there, then it should have been put. All the participant nations’ flags should have been there.”
Amidst the heavy backlash on social media, the PCB later explained that they were following ICC rules. They stated that the ICC had instructed them to display only four flags at the Champions Trophy venues—the ICC flag, the PCB flag, and the flags of the two teams playing in each match.
PCB hoists the Indian flag in Karachi after massive criticism
A PCB source was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times: “The ICC has advised that only four flags will be hoisted on Champions Trophy 2025 match days—ICC (Event Authority), PCB (Event Host), and the two sides competing on that day. Simple.”
Following the uproar, the neighboring country’s flag has now been put up at the National Stadium by the PCB. Currently, a picture is going viral on social media, where the flag was spotted at the National Stadium on Tuesday ahead of the opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 between Pakistan and New Zealand in Karachi on Wednesday.
The Indian flag is present at National Bank Stadium Karachi ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Via – @imransiddique89
#ChampionsTrophy2025 pic.twitter.com/NUa8Gh837B
— Ahmad Haseeb (@iamAhmadhaseeb) February 18, 2025
Notably, India and Pakistan will reignite their rivalry on Sunday, February 23, when they face each other in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, where the Men in Blue will play all their matches in the prestigious tournament.
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PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi sells VIP box tickets for India-Pakistan match
Meanwhile, the PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, has given up the 30-seat VIP Hospitality Box at the Dubai International Stadium for the India-Pakistan clash on February 23.
Instead of keeping it for himself and his guests, Naqvi sold the premium tickets for around 400,000 dirhams (INR 94 lakh) to PCB’s funds.
The PCB boss decided to watch the blockbuster match between the two old foes from the stands to experience the crowd’s energy and support for Pakistan in Dubai.